Debabarrena

Plan your trip

Prepare your trip to Debabarrena

Here you will find all the information you need to prepare your trip to Debabarrena as well as organize the activities you will do during your visit. Check out all the sections and don’t forget anything!

How to get there?

Debabarrena, located in the centre of Euskadi, is less than an hour from the three Basque capitals. Everything is within easy reach of between the eight municipalities in the region.

Start your journey!

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Camping Saturraran

Camping Saturraran

Carretera de Deba a Gernika, km 7, 20830 Mutriku, Guipúzcoa

+34 943 60 38 47
campingsaturraran.com

Camping Santa Elena

Camping Santa Elena

Berrio, Galdona, nº 4, 20830 Mutriku, Guipúzcoa

+34 943 60 39 82
camping-santaelena.com

Haitzalde

Haitzalde

Eskimera s/n, 20830 Mutriku, Guipúzcoa

+34 943 60 48 65
haitzalde.com

Mendi Azpi Rooms

Mendi Azpi Rooms

Diseminado Mutriku Barreiatua, 17, 20830 Mutriku, Gipuzkoa

+34 688 74 85 18
mendiazpirooms.com

Pikua

Pikua

Barrio Laranga, s/n, 20830 Mutriku, Guipúzcoa

+34 943 60 32 42
pikua.es

Arbe Hotel

Arbe Hotel

s/n, 20830 Laranga Auzoa, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 60 47 49
hotelarbe.com

Zumardi

Zumardi

Mariñel Kalea, 12, 20820 Deba, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 19 23 68
pensionzumardi.com

Hiru Uhinak Hotel

Hiru Uhinak Hotel

Markiegi Kalea, 6, 20820 Deba, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 19 00 67
hiruhinak-hotel.com

Geltoki Hostel

Geltoki Hostel

Sólo perigrinos
20820 Deba, Guipúzcoa

+34 943 19 24 52
deba.eus

Donibane

Donibane

Egia Auzoa, 8, 20829 Itziar, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 19 15 54
agroturismodonibane.com

Itxaspe Camping

Camping Itxaspe

Barrio Itxaspe, s/n, 20829 Deba-Itziar, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 19 93 77
campingitxaspe.com

Arriola Txiki

Arriola Txiki

20829 Deba, Guipúzcoa

+34 943 19 20 00
arriolatxiki.es

Perlakua Saka

Perlakua Saka

Barrio Arriola, 4, 20829 Deba, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 19 11 37
sakabaserria.com

Kanala Hotel

Kanala Hotel

Itziar Industrialdea, 2, 20829 Itziar, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 19 90 35 hotelkanala.com

Endañeta Berri

Endañeta Berri

Endañeta, 29, 20829 Zumaia, Guipúzcoa

+34 625 70 47 74
nekatur.net

Casa rural Txerturi Goikoa

Txerturi Goikoa

Barrio, 20829 Itxaspe, Gipuzkoa

+34 666 08 33 11
txerturi.com

Zelaieta Berribi

Zelaieta Berribi

Barrio de Itxaspe, s/n, 20829 Itziar, Guipúzcoa

+34 661 21 93 33
zelaietaberribi.com

Erlete Goikoa

Erlete Goikoa

Mardari Auzoa, 5, 20829 Deba, Guipúzcoa

+34 618 06 79 68
erletegoikoa.com

Casa Rural Apartamentos URAIN Suites at Flysch Coast

URAIN Suites

Urengain, Mardari Auzoa, 10, 20829 Deba, Guipúzcoa

+34 645 00 83 55
urainsuites.com

Txindurri Iturri

Txindurri Iturri

Mardari Auzoa, 12, 20829 Deba, Guipúzcoa

+34 699 68 44 90
txindurri.com

Zubeltzu torre

Agroturismo Zubeltzu torre

Zubeltzu torre barrio Arroa erreka, 20829 Itziar, Guipúzcoa

+34 637 90 51 64
zubeltzutorre.es

Agroturismo Arrasketa

Arrasketa

Barrio Lastur Behea, S/N, 20829, Guipúzcoa

-
nekatur.net

Arruan Haundi

Arruan Haundi

6, Behea, Deba, 20820 Lastur, Gipuzkoa

+34 636 78 98 09
nekatur.net

Lasturko Aterpetxea

Lastur Hostel

San Nikolas Plaza, 5, 20829 Lastur, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 19 90 90
lasturkoaterpetxea.com

Eleizondo

Eleizondo

Itziar, de, San Nikolas Plaza, 20829 Lastur, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 19 90 33
nekatur.net

Goikola

Goikola

Caserío Goikola, 20829 Lastur, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 19 24 52
goikola.com

Casa Rural Atxuri

Atxuri

Garagartza Arana-Erreka Aldea, 16, 20850, Gipuzkoa

+34 699 76 01 54
casaruralatxuri.com

Casa Rural Abatetxe

Abatetxe

Abatetxe baserria, Urruzuno Bailara, 19, 20870 Elgoibar, Gipuzkoa

+34 644 70 68 93
abatetxe.com

Hotel Txarriduna

Txarriduna Hotel

Ermuaranbide Kalea, 3, 20870 Elgoibar, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 74 87 78
hoteltxarriduna.com

Hotel Ixua

Ixua Hotel

Mandiola Balle Aldea, 8, 20600 Eibar, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 12 12 72
ixuahotela.com

Hotel Eibar

Eibar Hotel

Arrate Balle Auzoa, 34, 20600 Eibar, Gipuzkoa

+34 843 93 01 93
hoteleibar.es

Sosola Baserria

Sosola Baserria

Mandiola Balle Aldea, 36, 20600 Eibar, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 20 81 76
sosola.com

Eibarrooms

Eibarrooms

Ego-Gain Kalea, 17 AC, 20600 Eibar, Gipuzkoa

+34 686 82 38 68
eibarooms.com

Pensión Mélida

Mélida Pension

Av. Bizkaia Etorbidea, 13, 48260 Ermua, Vizcaya

+34 943 19 24 52
melidaostatua.com

Hotel Villa de Ermua

Villa de Ermua Hotel

Gipuzkoa Hiribidea, 54, 48260 Ermua, Bizkaia

+34 943 17 08 60
hotelvilladeermua.com

Hotel Rural Mañe

Mañe Rural-Hotel

Barrio de Berano Txiki, 9, 48269 Mallabia, Vizcaya

+34 943 84 52 00
mañe.eus

Agroturismo Longa Nagusia

Longa Nagusia

Caserío Longa, 25 Barrio, 48269 Mallabia, Vizcaya

+34 943 17 38 55
nekatur.net

On the coast or in the mountains of the region, in Debabarrena you will find all kinds of accommodation.
Find the one for you!

Arbe Hotel
Camping Santa Elena
Camping Saturrarana
Mendi Azpi Rooms
Pikua
Haitzalde
Hiru Uhinak Hotel
Geltoki Hostel
Zumardi
Endañeta Berri
Zelaieta Berribi
Arruan Haundi
Erlete Goikoa
Txerturi Goikoa
Zubeltzu Torre
Perlakua Saka
Arrasketa
Arriola Txiki
Goikola
Donibane
Txindurri Iturri
Eleizondo
Kanala Hotel
Urain Suites
Camping Itxaspe
Lastur Hostel
Atxuri
Abatetxe
Txarriduna Hotel
Sosola Baserria
Ixua Hotel
Eibarrooms
Villa de Ermua Hotel
Mélida Pension
Mañe Rural-Hotel
Longa Nagusia

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Leize Restaurant

Leize Restaurant

CALLE MAGDALENA, Nº 4, B, 20830 Mutriku, Gipuzkoa

+34 632 88 02 52
leize.eus

Piperren Txokoa

Piperren Txokoa

Txurruka Plaza, 4, 20830 Mutriku, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 60 30 53
restaurantepiper.com

Pikua Erretegia

Pikua Restaurant

Barrio Laranga, s/n, 20830 Mutriku, Guipúzcoa

+34 943 60 32 42 pikua.es

Itsaslabarrak taberna

Itsaslabarrak Taberna

C. Markiegi, 2, bajo, 20820 Deba, Guipúzcoa

+34 943 94 32 47
itsaslabarrak.com

Hiru Bistro

Hiru Bistro

Markiegi Kalea, 6, 20820 Deba, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 19 00 67
hiruhinak-hotel.com

Urgain Jatetxea

Urgain Restaurant

Hondartza Kalea, 5, 20820 Deba, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 19 11 01 restauranteurgain.shop

Kanala Jatetxea

Kanala Restaurant

Itziar Industrialdea, 2, 20829 Itziar, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 19 90 35
hotelkanala.com

Salegi jatetxea

Salegi Restaurant

Galtzada Kalea, 13, 20829 Itziar, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 19 90 04
salegi.net

Restaurante Belaustegi Baserria

Belaustegi Baserria

Alto de San Miguel, Carr. Markina, 44, 20870, Guipúzcoa

+34 943 74 31 02
belaustegi.com

Baratze Taberna

Baratze Taberna

Bidebarrieta Kalea, 39, Bajo Derecha, 20600 Eibar, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 84 55 03
baratzetaberna.eus

Restaurante Kiska

Kiska Restaurant

Zeharkale, 4, 48260 Ermua, Vizcaya

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kiskaermua.com

Trabakua Behekoa Jatetxea

Trabakua Behekoa Restaurant

Gerea Auzoa, 2, 48269 Mallabia, Bizkaia

+34 943 17 63 10
trabakua-jatetxea.com

Where culinary tradition blends with the freshness of its products, a gastronomic experience in every bite.
Come and explore the cuisine of Debabarrena!

Leize Restaurant
Piperren Txokoa
Pikua Restaurant
Hiru Bistro
Itsaslabarrak Taberna
Urgain Restaurant
Kanala Restaurant
Salegi Restaurant
Belaustegi Baserria
Baratze Taberna
Kiska Restaurant
Trabakua Behekoa Restaurant
Nautilus Mutrikuko Ikasgune Geologikoa

The Nautilus Museum

Jose Antonio Ezeiza Kalea, 3, 20830 Mutriku, Gipuzkoa

+34 657 79 46 77
www.mutriku.eus

Mufomi Museoa

Mufomi Museum

Artetxe kalea, s/n, correos, Apdo, Nº 20, 20870 Elgoibar, Guipúzcoa

+34 608 41 66 83 mufomi.org

Hezur Museoa

Bone Museum

Artetxe Kalea, 2, 20870 Elgoibar, Gipuzkoa

+34 -
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Makina Erreminta Museoa

Machine-tool Museum

Azkue Bailara, 1, 20870 Elgoibar, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 74 84 56
museoa.eus

Museo de la Industria Armera

Arms Industry Museum

Bista-Eder Kalea, 10, 20600 Eibar, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 70 84 46
armia-eibar.eus

Gerra Zibileko Interpretazio Zentroa

Civil War Front Interpretation Centre

Arrate Balle Auzoa, 20600 Eibar, Gipuzkoa

+34 944 02 90 99
gerrazibilaeibarren.eus/

Each one of them keeps a secret that will help you undestand the essence of our community.
It´s time to explore the museums!

The Nautilus Museum
Mufomi Museum
Bone Museum
Machine-tool Museum
Arms Industry Museum
Civil War Front Interpretation Centre
Oficina de Turismo de Mutriku

Mutriku Tourist Information Office

Txurruka Plaza, 1, 20830 Mutriku, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 60 33 78
mutriku.eus

Oficina de Turismo de Deba

Deba Tourist Information Office

Ifar Kalea, 4, 20820 Deba, Gipuzkoa

+34 943 19 24 52
deba.eus

If you have any questions or recommendations, please contact one of our tourist offices in our region.
We look forward to your visit!

Mutriku Tourist Information Office
Deba Tourist Information Office

Where to sleep?

On the coast or in the mountains of the region, in Debabarrena you will find all kinds of accommodation. Choose according to your interests and enjoy a comfortable and unforgettable stay.
More information

Tourist Information Offices

If you have any questions or recommendations, please contact one of our tourist offices in our region. We look forward to your visit!
More information

Where to eat?

Our region offers different products and gastronomic events throughout the year to delight the palate, and therefore, it has restaurants where you can enjoy unique culinary experiences.
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Maps and brochures

Don’t miss out on information. Take a look at our brochures on different topics!
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Actividades

La ubicación estratégica de Debabarrena confiere a nuestra comarca de enormes posibilidades tanto de acceso como de movilidad entre los ocho municipios que la comarcan. Debabarrena se encuentra en el centro de Euskadi. Además, está conectado a través de todo tipo de transportes con el resto del mundo. Escoge el que más se adapte a ti, ¡comienza tu viaje!
Más información

Planes

Conoce la gastronomía de Debabarrena Un producto local fresco, de temporada, base de nuestra calidad gastronómica. ¡Disfruta!
Más información

AGIRREBURU

  • Type : Dolmen
  • Date : Chalcolithic-Bronze Age (3200-1500 BC)
  • Town : Bergara
  • Location : On Mount Agirreburu, 13 meters from the road that goes from Elosua to the antenna.
This dolmen was made up of a chamber of stone slabs covered by a burial mound. In the last excavation it was found that the structure, although deteriorated, is complete. It is one of the few elements in which human remains have been found.

Measurements

The burial mound has a diameter of 11.5 meters and a height of 0.75 meters.

Research

It was discovered by J.M. Barandiaran in 1920, and a year later he investigated it together with T. Aranzadi and E. Eguren. Various structures and materials have been published in research papers: Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren (1922), J. M. Barandiaran (1953), J. Elósegui (1953), Cartas Arquelógicas de Gipuzkoa (1982, 1990), J. M. Apellániz (1973). In 2019 it was excavated again by J. Tapia, and restored in 2020.

Findings

Before beginning the investigation, the dolmen had been looted. But the investigation recovered human bones and pieces of ceramic tableware. In 2002, after cleaning, a stone ax was found on the surface of the burial mound. In the 2019 excavation, more human bones and ceramic pieces were recovered, as well as another polished stone axe.

Highlights

In the Elosua-Plazentzia complex, Agirreburu has been one of the few dolmens in which human bones have been found. Unfortunately, those found in 1921 were lost, and could provide a large amount of information for today’s research (DNA, food, anthropology, etc.). In 2019 Agirreburu was investigated again, more human remains were found, and new restoration proposals are being studied.

FRANTSESBASOA

  • Type : Dolmen
  • Date : Neolithic-Bronze Age (4,000-1,500 BC)
  • Town : Azkoitia – Bergara
  • Location : Between Elosumendi and Sorisaitza, in the place called Frantsesbasoa.
It is a small funerary chamber, from which three slabs and a small burial mound have been recovered. These types of megalithic monuments are known as cists, and suggest individual use.

Measurements

The burial mound has a diameter of 3.5 meters and a height of 0.1 meters high. The slab is 1.5 meters long, 0.5 meters high and 0.2 meters thick.

Research

In 2001, it was discovered by B. Barrero, I. Gaztelu, G. Mercader, L. Millán and M. Tamayo. In 2019 J. Tapia excavated and restored it.

Findings

4 flint fragments, 2 rock crystal prisms, and 1 volcanic glass flake. No metals, pottery shards, or human remains have been preserved.

Highlights

It was excavated and restored in 2019. It is a small dolmen, barely 1.5m long, which suggests individual use.

MAURKETA

  • Type : Tumulus
  • Date : Neolithic-Bronze Age (4,000-1,500 BC)
  • Town : Bergara
  • Location : On the Maurketa pass, on an esplanade between Frantsesbasoa and Leiopago.
No chamber is known and it is composed of a large burial mound. In the middle is a looting hole that opens up to the edge of the barrow.

Measurements

The tumulus has a diameter of 16.5 meters and a height of 1.6 meters. The looting hole is 5 meters in diameter and 1.3 meters deep.

Research

It was discovered by J.M. Barandiaran in 1920, and a year later it was excavated by T. Aranzadi, J.M. Barandiarán and E. Eguren. Since then, no further investigation has been conducted. The structure and some materials have been published in various research works: Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren (1922), J. M. Barandiaran (1953), J. Elósegui (1953), Cartas arqueológicas de Gipuzkoa (1982, 1990), J. M. Apellániz (1973 ).

Findings

During the excavation, a worked spark stone, a quartz crystal (salt gem) and three necklaces were found, one of them made of bones and the other two made of stones.

Highlights

The archaeologists also saw that the ground here is holed, but it is not clear if this hole is due to looting or is part of its original structure.

KEREXETAEGIA HEGOKOA

  • Type : Dolmen
  • Date : Chalcolithic (3200-2200 BC)
  • Town : Bergara
  • Location : On a plain on mount Leiopago, near the border between Bergara and Azkoitia.
The burial chamber was made up of several slabs, and another larger slab covered said chamber. Above, a cairn of stones covered the entire structure. Of that original structure, only 3 slabs were preserved in 1921, the cover was fallen and the tumulus was open with a pit. What can be seen today is the result of a reconstruction based on scientific solutions.

Measurements

A burial mound 17 meters in diameter and 1.80 meters high. The chamber is more or less 2×1.5 meters wide.

Research

J.M. found it. Barandiaran in 1920, and a year later it was excavated by T. Aranzadi, J.M. Barandiarán and E. Eguren. By then, the monument was already looted with a huge pit, and the cover of the chamber was already down. In the 1980s a group of private people did a rebuilding session, moving the cover. In 2014, M. Ceberio made an exact excavation and topography. Based on that data, in 2018, Bazeta, Tellería and Aguirre developed a reconstruction plan and gave it the appearance it shows today. The structure and materials have been published in several research works: Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren (1922), J. M. Barandiaran (1953), J. Elósegui (1953), Cartas Arqueológicas de Gipuzkoa (1982, 1990), J. M. Apellániz (1973 ).

Findings

In the 1921 excavation, a stone axe, an arrowhead, two sandpapers, a splinter of flintstone and a piece of pottery were found. In the 2014 excavation, 17 pieces of pottery and 7 spark stones were found.

Highlights

Kerexetaegia Sur is the best preserved dolmen of the entire megalithic station, and for this reason its reconstruction has been possible. In addition, it is one of the monuments that has produced the most pieces, along with Gizaburuaga. The chamber that can be seen today is missing some slabs, but it was decided to leave it that way so that the interior of the chamber could be seen. It was also decided to leave the pit that the burial mound has, so that the structure could be entered.

KEREXETAEGIA IPARREKOA

  • Type : Tumulus
  • Date : Chalcolithic – Bronze Age (3,200-1,500 B.C.)
  • Town : Bergara
  • Location : Mount Leiopago is on a plain, near the border between Bergara and Azkoitia.
Only the tomb of the monument is preserved, built with local basalt stones. In the burial mound you can see a hole 0.7 meters deep.

Measurements

The burial mound has a diameter of 9-11 meters and a height of 0.8 meters.

Research

J.M. found it. Barandiaran in 1920, and a year later it was excavated by T. Aranzadi, E. Eguren and J.M. They will rail. Since then it has not been excavated again. The structure and some materials have been published in various research works: Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren (1922), J. M. Barandiaran (1953), J. Elósegui (1953), Cartas arqueológicas de Gipuzkoa (1982, 1990), J. M. Apellániz (1973 ).

Findings

Thanks to the excavation a necklace of bones was found, which today is lost.

Highlights

Although the archaeological material found is not much, the necklace indicates that the bones have been preserved through the passage of time, and therefore, there may be bones preserved in the unexcavated areas. The dead were buried with clothes and accessories, that’s why many necklaces are found.

KEREXETA

  • Type : Tumulus
  • Date : Neolithic-Bronze Age (4,000-1,500 BC)
  • Town : Azkoitia
  • Location : On the Kerexeta pass, on the southern slope of Irukurutzeta.
In this case, as in many others, the original structure was looted and only the stone burial mound can be seen. The tumulus, in the center, contains a hole 0.5 m high. There are doubts as to whether it was a dolmen, since next to the hole a slab could be seen, perhaps that slab was from a destroyed chamber.

Measurements

The burial mound has a diameter of 17 meters and a height of 0.30 m.

Research

It was discovered by J.M. Barandiaran in 1920, and a year later he investigated it together with T. Aranzadi and E. Eguren. At the beginning of the investigation, the burial mound was 1.5 meters high and the slab was on one edge of the hole. At the end of the investigation it was found that the stone floor had holes. Other similar holes are also mentioned in other dolmens of Karakate, but it is not clear if these have been caused by looting work, or are part of the original structure. The structures and materials have been published in various research works: Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren (1922), J. M. Barandiaran (1953), J. Elósegui (1953), Cartas arqueológicas de Gipuzkoa (1982, 1990), J. M. Apellániz (1973 ).

Findings

Only a few prehistoric materials were found: a sheet and a chip of spark stone. Along with these, modern materials: a piece of lead, slag, remains of fauna and pieces of crockery.

Highlights

Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren considered Kerexeta a dolmen. To them, it was a structure that had originally been a dolmen, which had later been looted and destroyed. Proof of this would be the modern materials and the bullets found, and as can be seen in the Archaeological Letter of 1982, the destruction of the monument has continued until recently.

AIZPURUKO ZABALA

  • Type : Dolmen
  • Date : Neolithic-Bronze Age (4,000-1,500 BC)
  • Town : Bergara – Soraluze
  • Location : On the southern slope of Kurutzebakar, in the place called Aizpuruko zabala.
Today, only a slab of the original chamber is visible, around it you can see the stone mound, composed of local basalts. In 1921, however, 3 slabs were preserved and their orientation was east-west.

Measurements

The burial mound has a diameter of 13 meters and a height of 1.2 meters. The looting hole has a diameter of 3.5 meters and a depth of 0.5 meters. The measurements of the slabs found in 1921 are: a) 2.1 meters long, 1.7 meters high and 0.25 meters thick; b) 0.5 meters long, 1.3 meters high and 0.15 meters thick; c) 0.8 meters long and 0.3 meters thick.

Research

It was found by J.M. Barandiaran in 1920, and a year later it was excavated by T. Aranzadi, J.M. Barandiarán and E. Eguren. Since then, no further investigation has been conducted. The structure and some materials have been published in various research works: Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren (1922), J. M. Barandiaran (1953), J. Elósegui (1953), Cartas arqueológicas de Gipuzkoa (1982, 1990), J. M. Apellániz (1973 ).

Findings

During the excavation, a worked spark stone, a splinter and three bone necklaces were found.

Highlights

Similar necklaces were found at North Kerexetaegia, and the same type of worked spark stone (triangle-shaped) was found at Irukurutzeta.

IRUKURUTZETA

  • Type : Dolmen
  • Date : Neolithic-Bronze Age (4,000-1,500 BC)
  • Town : Bergara
  • Location : Next to the top of Irukurutzeta, on the pass to the northwest.
Only one slab of the original chamber is preserved, and around it there is a large stone burial mound, made with local basalts. In the center of the barrow is a large looting hole, and within this a single slab can be seen.

Measurements

The burial mound has a diameter of 19 meters and a height of 1.8 meters. The looting hole is 4 meters in diameter and 0.7 meters deep. The chamber slab length is 1.6 meters, width 1.2 meters and thickness 0.4 meters.

Research

J.M. found it. Barandiaran in 1920, and a year later it was excavated by T. Aranzadi, J.M. Barandiarán and E. Eguren. In 2018, it was excavated by J. Tapia. The structure and some materials have been published in various research works: Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren (1922), J. M. Barandiaran (1953), J. Elósegui (1953), Cartas arqueológicas de Gipuzkoa (1982, 1990), J. M. Apellániz (1973 ).

Findings

Excavations have found various remains of materials from prehistory, despite the fact that the monument is badly damaged and mixed up. In the 1921 excavation, two pieces of spark stone were found, together with materials from the war against the French and from the modern era (coins, bullets). In the 2019 excavation, an arrowhead, sandpaper, two spark stone splinters and a piece of pottery were found, all of these also mixed with modern materials. The structure and some materials have been published in various research works: Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren (1922), J. M. Barandiaran (1953), J. Elósegui (1953), Cartas arqueológicas de Gipuzkoa (1982, 1990), J. M. Apellániz (1973 ).

Highlights

In a graffiti painted on the slab, there is talk of burials that took place in 1878, and the coin is from 1793. This shows the antiquity of the looting work, but even so, it has been shown that there are possibilities of recovering materials from the prehistory.

ARRIBIRIBILLETA

  • Type : Monolith
  • Date : Neolithic-Bronze Age (4,000-1,500 BC)
  • Town: Bergara – Elgoibar
  • Location : On the Irukurutzeta mountain, on the summit known as Kurutzezarra, on the border between Elgoibar and Bergara
The monolith was lying on a small stone top. After the latest archaeological investigations, it was known that the monolith was a menhir, and it was decided to put it back upright.

Measurements

The monolith has a length of 3.50 meters, a width of 1.6 meters and a thickness of 0.5 meters. The hole that kept the monolith standing is 1.9 X 1.3 meters wide and 0.6 meters deep.

Research

It was found by J.M. Barandiaran in 1920, and a year later it was excavated by T. Aranzadi, J.M. Barandiarán and E. Eguren. In that excavation, materials were found that are used to verify the cairns (Pieces of coal and tile). Since the border between Elgoibar and Bergara is located there, and since nothing was found in the excavation, the archaeologists took the monolith as just another milestone. In 2002 J. Castro denounced that the monolith was actually a menhir, taking the hill as a burial mound and the monolith as the cover of the chamber. In the same year, Altuna, Del Barrio, Fernández, Mariezkurrena and Turrillas confirmed the discovery and marked it. In 2013, J. Tapia and M. Ceberio excavated the site and showed that there was no menhir; the hill is a natural formation of stones and it was confirmed that there was a cairn on it. However, the pit to support the cairn was excavated in prehistory, below the modern embankment, another older embankment was found at the bottom of the pit, pieces of spark stones were also found. 3D examples of the monolith and the hole were created, and after studying the measurements, weights and forces, it was decided to rebuild it.

Findings

In the excavation only two pieces of spark stone were found, but the most important discovery was the exact study of the hole and the block.

Highlights

Arribiribilleta was the first step in the Dolmen Trail project. Until then, no project of this caliber had been launched in the Basque megalithic area.

KURUTZEBAKAR

  • Type : Tumulus
  • Date : Neolithic-Bronze Age (4,000-1,500 BC)
  • Town : Bergara – Soraluze
  • Location : The burial mound has a diameter of 10 meters and a height of 0.8 meters. The looting pit has a diameter of 3 meters and a depth of 0.9 meters.
No chamber is known and it is composed of a circular barrow, which has a looting pit in the middle.

Measurements

The burial mound has a diameter of 10 meters and a height of 0.8 meters. The looting hole has a diameter of 3 meters and a depth of 0.9 meters.

Research

J.M. found it. Barandiaran in 1920, and a year later it was excavated by T. Aranzadi, J.M. Barandiarán and E. Eguren. Since then, no further investigation has been conducted. The structure and some materials have been published in various research works: Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren (1922), J. M. Barandiaran (1953), J. Elósegui (1953), Cartas arqueológicas de Gipuzkoa (1982, 1990), J. M. Apellániz (1973 ).

Findings

In the excavation only one prehistoric piece was found, a quartz crystal (salt gem), together with materials from the modern age (a rifle stone, a bullet).

Highlights

As has also been mentioned in other cases from the station, the archaeologists also saw that the floor of the rocks was also pierced here, but it is not clear if the hole was caused by looting or if it was part of the original structure. As for the materials, gems and quartz crystals can be found in the dolmens as grave goods for the dead. As in Irukurutzeta and Kerexeta, there were also firefights from the war against the French here, as indicated by the rifle material found.

NASIKOGOENA

  • Type : Tumulus
  • Date : Neolithic-Bronze Age (4,000-1,500 BC)
  • Town : Soraluze
  • Location : In the place known as Nasiko Goena, between the Kurutzebakar mountain and the Pagobedeinkatua pass.
No chamber is known. It is made up of a circular mound and from one side to the center a ditch can be seen.

Measurements

The burial mound has a diameter of 9 meters and a height of 1.5 meters. The pit is 7.5 meters long and 2 meters wide.

Research

It was found by J.M. Barandiaran in 1920, and a year later it was excavated by T. Aranzadi, J.M. Barandiarán and E. Eguren. Since then, no further investigation has been conducted. The structure and some materials have been published in various research works: Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren (1922), J. M. Barandiaran (1953), J. Elósegui (1953), Cartas arqueológicas de Gipuzkoa (1982, 1990), J. M. Apellániz (1973 ).

Findings

In the excavation no archaeological material was found.

Highlights

Nasikogoena, as in the case of Pagobedeinkatua, is located at a strategic transit point to cross the ridge. The dolmens and burial mounds of prehistory were used to mark territory and claim ownership of the dead.

PAGOBEDEINKATUA

  • Type : Tumulus
  • Date : Neolithic-Bronze Age (4,000-1,500 B.C.)
  • Town : Soraluze
  • Location : The hill of Pagobedeinkatu, between Atxolin and Kurutzebakar.
A circular tumulus, which shows a large hole in the middle most likely caused by looting. No chamber has been located.

Measurements

The tumulus has a diameter of 8.5 meters and a height of 0.80 meters. The hole is 0.5 m. deep.

Research

It was discovered by J.M. Barandiaran in 1920, and excavated a year later by T. Aranzadi, E. Eguren and J.M. Barandiaran. Since then, no further research has been carried out. The study of the structure and some materials has been published in several research papers: Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren (1922), J. M. Barandiaran (1953), J. Elósegui (1953), Archaeological Maps of Gipuzkoa (1982, 1990), J. M. Apellániz (1973).

Findings

A flint chip was recovered during the excavation. During research done in 2017, another fragment of flint was found by the tumulus.

Highlights

The tumulus is located in a very well-known place, and occupies a strategic passage in the mountain range. As it forms a landmark, it is not surprising that myths, pilgrimages and beliefs arose around it.

AZKOIN

  • Type : Tumulus
  • Date : Neolithic-Bronze Age (4,000-1,500 B.C.)
  • Town : Elgoibar – Soraluze
  • Location : On the south-eastern slope of Atxolin, on the way to Pagobedeinkatua, in a beech forest.
There is no known chamber and the monument is composed of a large tumulus. There is a looting hole in the middle.

Measurements

The tumulus has a diameter of 16 meters and a height of 1.2 meters. The looting hole has a diameter of 3 metres and a depth of 0.7 metres.

Research

It was discovered by J.M. Barandiaran in 1920, and excavated a year later by T. Aranzadi, E. Eguren and J.M. Barandiaran. Since then, no further research has been carried out. The study of the structure and some materials has been published in several research papers: Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren (1922), J. M. Barandiaran (1953), J. Elósegui (1953), Archaeological Maps of Gipuzkoa (1982, 1990), J. M. Apellániz (1973).

Findings

One single flint stone was found during the excavation.

Highlights

Similar to other cases in the area, archaeologists also found that the rock floor had been dug, but it is unclear whether the hole was made during looting or it is part of the original structure.

ATXOLINTXIKI II

  • Type : Cist
  • Date : Bronze Age (2,000-1,500 B.C.)
  • Town : Elgoibar – Soraluze
  • Location : Some 150 m. from the top of Atxolin, on a flat area between rocks.
There is a small chamber in the middle of a tumulus of stones. A large beech tree has grown above the structure.

Measurements

The chamber is 1 X 0.6 meters wide and the diameter of the tumulus is 5 meters.

Research

It was discovered and researched by M. Ceberio in 2015. As a large beech has grown inside the structure, the chamber could not be inspected.

Findings

No archaeological material was recovered during the excavation.

Highlights

This type of structure, the cist, evolved from dolmens. During the Bronze Age dolmens were still used, but at the same time this new type appeared, with a smaller chamber, intended for single body burials.

ATXOLINTXIKI I

  • Type : Tumulus
  • Date : Neolithic-Bronze Age (4,000-1,500 B.C.)
  • Town : Elgoibar – Soraluze
  • Location : Some 150 m. from the top of Atxolin, on a flat area between rocks.
No trace of the original chamber has been found. Only the tumulus, built with local basalts, is known. Right in the middle there is a hole of a depth of 0.6m.

Measurements

The tumulus has a diameter of 11 meters and a height of 0.95 meters.

Research

It was discovered by J.M. Barandiaran in 1920, and excavated a year later by T. Aranzadi, E. Eguren and J.M. Barandiaran. Since then, no further research has been carried out. The study of the structure and some materials has been published in several research papers: Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren (1922), J. M. Barandiaran (1953), J. Elósegui (1953), Archaeological Maps of Gipuzkoa (1982, 1990), J. M. Apellániz (1973).

Findings

No archaeological material was recovered during the excavation.

Highlights

As is the case with other dolmens in the area, archaeologists also found that the rock floor had been dug, but it is unclear whether the hole was made during looting or it is part of the original structure.

ATXOLIN

  • Type : Dolmen
  • Date : Neolithic-Bronze Age (4,000-1,500 B.C.)
  • Town : Elgoibar – Soraluze
  • Location : Near the peak of Atxolin, in a rock formation.
Only one slab from the original chamber is preserved, and the stone tumulus, made with local basalts, can be seen around it.

Measurements

The tumulus has a diameter of 7 meters and a height of 0.8 meters, the slab is 1 x 0.6 wide.

Research

It was discovered by J.M. Barandiaran in 1920, and excavated a year later by T. Aranzadi, E. Eguren and J.M. Barandiaran. Since then, no further research has been carried out. The study of the structure and some materials has been published in several research papers: Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren (1922), J. M. Barandiaran (1953), J. Elósegui (1953), Archaeological Maps of Gipuzkoa (1982, 1990), J. M. Apellániz (1973).

Findings

No archaeological material was recovered during the excavation. During the 2017 excavation, a flint shard was found on the slope of Atxolin, about 30 meters from the dolmen.

Highlights

Atxolin is a clear example of a territory developed since Neolithic times, since dolmens are built on locations with a clear view of the surrounding area. In this particular case, from the top of Atxolin, one can get a panoramic view of the whole area.

SABUA

  • Type : Tumulus
  • Date : Bronze Age (2,000-1,500 B.C.)
  • Town : Elgoibar – Soraluze
  • Location : Between Atxolin and Idoia, in a flat area located to the northwest of Atxolin.
It is a small tumulus. No chamber has been found. It is located on a rocky outcrop, covered by grass, and it is hard to spot it in the relief of the terrain.

Measurements

Barandiaran calculated that the monument was 11 meters in diameter, but it is quite likely that the outcrop of the burial mound was also included. According to the excavation that was carried out, the tumulus has a diameter of 6 metres and a height of 0.5 metres.

Research

It was discovered by J.M. Barandiaran in 1920, but no excavation was carried out. Later it was not possible to identify which of the raised land areas corresponded to the tumulus described by Barandiaran. In 2017, J. Tapia carried out some archaeological surveys and located a small tumulus, which according to him, may be the one mentioned by Barandiarán. The structure has been published in several research papers: Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren (1922), J. M. Barandiaran (1953), J. Elósegui (1953), Archaeological Maps of Gipuzkoa (1982, 1990), J. M. Apellániz (1973).

Findings

Only part of the tumulus was excavated and no archaeological material was recovered.

Highlights

Taking into account the reduced dimensions of the tumulus, it may be a monument from a later period, probably from the Bronze Age. Even so, tumuli and dolmens are often built on natural protrusions in the landscape (small hills and outcrops), to give the monument greater prominence. This has been proven, for example, in Irukurutzeta. In 2019, new excavations will be carried out in Sabua.

IDOIA (IRUIA)

  • Type : Dolmen
  • Date : Neolithic-Bronze Age (4,000-1,500 B.C.)
  • Town : Soraluze
  • Location : On the plain known as Idoia, on the north-western slope of Atxolin.
Only one slab from the original chamber is preserved. The stone tumulus, made with local basalts, can be sseen around it.

Measurements

The tumulus has a diameter of 9 meters and a height of 0.75 meters. The slab is 1.8 x 1.7 meters wide.

Research

It was discovered by J.M. Barandiaran in 1920, and excavated a year later by T. Aranzadi, E. Eguren and J.M. Barandiaran. Since then, no further research has been carried out. The study of the structure and some materials has been published in several research papers: Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren (1922), J. M. Barandiaran (1953), J. Elósegui (1953), Archaeological Maps of Gipuzkoa (1982, 1990), J. M. Apellániz (1973).

Findings

During excavation, three ceramic shards were found next to bones of present-day fauna. The pottery is handmade and dates from the Neolithic-Bronze Age.

Highlights

During the excavations carried out around the dolmen isolated remains from prehistoric times have been found. This is proof that the optimal conditions offered by the site (water, terrace, forest) were also exploited during prehistory.

GIZABURUAGA

  • Type : Dolmen
  • Date : Neolithic-Bronze Age (4,000-1,500 B.C.)
  • Town : Elgoibar – Soraluze
  • Location : Between Atxolin and Karakate, in a flat area located to the northwest of Idoia.
Today, two slabs of the original chamber are preserved. A stone tumulus, made with local basalts, can be seen around it. One of the slabs had fallen over, and during the reconstruction works it was put upright.

Measurements

The tumulus has a diameter of 11 meters and a height of 0.5 meters. The upright slab is 1.7 metres long, 0.5 metres high and 0.2 metres thick. The slab that was fallen over is 1.6 meters long, 1.1 meters wide and 0.2 meters thick. After reconstruction, the dimensions of the chamber are 1.7 X 1.6 meters.

Research

It was discovered by J.M. Barandiaran in 1920, but it was not excavated. During 2016 and 2017, J. Tapia carried out an archaeological excavation and reconstruction work. The structure has been published in several research papers: Aranzadi, Barandiaran and Eguren (1922), J. M. Barandiaran (1953), J. Elósegui (1953), Archaeological Maps of Gipuzkoa (1982, 1990), J. M. Apellániz (1973).

Findings

77 ceramic shards of at least 4 different vessels, one of which has been almost completely rebuilt; 12 flint pieces (a scraper, a slab, three retouched pieces, 7 laminar fragments and a core); 8 quartz glass pieces (rock crystal); an archer’s bracer; 8 stone necklace beads; a sharpening stone; 5 metal ornaments; fragments of carbonized human remains (more than 100 fragments); charcoal.

Highlights

Barandiarán only recorded the tumulus but did not excavate it. During the 2016-17 excavation, the sepulchral chamber was located and two phases of use were differentiated: the first during the Neolithic period, and the second later, in the Bronze Age. Between the two phases, part of the chamber collapsed and one of the slabs fell. In the last phase of use, beliefs changed and the funerary rites turned from burial to incineration.

San Blas

Christmas is over, but in Debabarrena we continue to make winter as sweet as possible. On 3 February, we make the most popular treat in our traditional repertoire of cakes and biscuits: Tortas de San Blas (Saint Blaise biscuits). Come and try them!

The tradition of making biscuits to celebrate the Feast of Saint Blaise is not exclusive to Debabarrena, and is typical also in other parts of the Basque Country, such as Abadiño and Llodio.

In our region, however, many people still make these biscuits at home and then take them to church to be blessed. Saint Blaise is the patron saint of throat-related problems, which is why, according to popular belief, in addition to eating the biscuits, you should also take a piece of string to church to be blessed, and then wear it tied around your neck for nine days before burning it. This will provide protection against colds and other illnesses for an entire year.

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 1 kg wheat flour
  • 6 eggs
  • 125 g pork lard (or butter or margarine)
  • ½ kg granulated sugar
  • 1 sachet of baking powder
  • 15 drops of aniseed essence

For the glaze:

  • 2 egg whites
  • 250 g icing sugar
  • 10 drops of lemon juice
  • 3 drops of aniseed essence

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 180º C.
  • Place the flour on a clean worktop and push into a volcano shape.
  • Break the eggs into the dip in the centre and mix with your hands.
  • Add the lard (or butter or margarine) and knead.
  • Gradually add the sugar and aniseed essence.
  • Knead until the dough is no longer sticky.
  • Shape into a ball and leave to stand for at least half an hour at room temperature.
  • Sprinkle the worktop and a rolling pin with flour.
  • Divide the dough into small balls and squash them down to around half a centimetre in thickness.
  • Adjust the shape using a plate or tray.
  • For a fluted border, pinch round the edge.
  • Bake on the middle shelf of the oven for around 15-20 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown but not toasted.
  • Meanwhile, for the glaze, beat the egg whites until stiff.
  • Still beating, add the icing sugar, lemon juice and aniseed essence until you have a dense white paste.
  • Spread the glaze over the still-warm biscuits using a spoon.